Chautauqua County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Chautauqua County are spread across a large network of courts -- 27 town courts, 13 village courts, and two city courts in Jamestown and Dunkirk. The county seat is Mayville, where the Gerace Office Building houses the Supreme Court and County Court. Chautauqua is one of the larger counties in western New York by area, and the court system reflects that size. This page covers how to find traffic cases, where courts are located, how to pay fines, and what resources exist for searching records. The County Clerk's Office plays a central role in maintaining court documents and providing public access.
Chautauqua County Traffic Court Records
Chautauqua County Traffic Court Records
The Chautauqua County Clerk is responsible for recording all land documents, serving as clerk for the Supreme and County courts, overseeing the Department of Weights and Measures and County Historian, and heading the three Department of Motor Vehicle Bureau offices in the county. The office is at the Gerace Office Building, 3 North Erie Street, Mayville, NY 14757. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
The Chautauqua County Clerk website provides information on court filing, fees, and online access to records.
All fees must be made payable to the "Chautauqua County Clerk." Payments are accepted in cash, check, money order, cashier check, or credit card. Credit cards are accepted for charges of $20.00 and over, but there is a mandatory 2.5% processing fee. Copies of recordings cost $1.00 per page. Copies of filings cost $1.00 per page with a $4.00 minimum. Notary services are available free of charge during regular hours. Online records access is available through a SearchIQS subscription.
The court filing clerk for Supreme and County Court can be reached at (716) 753-4873. E-filing is required through the NYS Courts Electronic Filing system, and you can call (646) 386-3033 for help with that. E-recording is available through Corporation Service Company (866-652-0111), eRecording Partners Network (888-325-3365), and Simplifile (800-460-5657).
Chautauqua Traffic Court Records
Chautauqua County has two city courts that handle traffic violations and other cases within their city limits. Jamestown City Court is in the Municipal Building at 200 East Third Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. Phone: (716) 483-7540. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Dunkirk City Court is at 342 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY 14048. Phone: (716) 366-9841. Same hours.
City courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $15,000. If you got a ticket within Jamestown or Dunkirk, your case goes to the city court. These courts have more formal procedures than town and village courts. They keep official records and have regular business hours five days a week.
Chautauqua Traffic Court Records
The 27 town courts in Chautauqua County include Arkwright, Busti, Carroll, Charlotte, Chautauqua, Cherry Creek, Clymer, Dunkirk, Ellery, Ellicott, Ellington, French Creek, Gerry, Hanover, Harmony, Kiantone, Mina, North Harmony, Poland, Pomfret, Portland, Ripley, Sheridan, Sherman, Stockton, Villenova, and Westfield. The 13 village courts are Bemus Point, Brocton, Cassadaga, Celoron, Falconer, Forestville, Fredonia, Lakewood, Mayville, Panama, Silver Creek, Sinclairville, and Westfield.
These courts handle traffic infractions, local ordinance violations, misdemeanor arraignments, and small claims up to $3,000. They are "courts not of record," meaning they keep simplified records and appeals go to County Court for a brand new hearing. Each court has its own schedule. Most meet in the evening. The back of your ticket tells you which court has your case and when to appear.
Higher Court Structure
The New York State Supreme Court for Chautauqua County is at the Gerace Office Building, 3 North Erie Street, Mayville. Phone: (716) 753-4313. This court handles major civil litigation with no monetary limit, divorce proceedings, and commercial disputes. The County Court shares the same building. Phone: (716) 753-4341. It handles felony criminal cases and civil matters with claims between $15,000 and $25,000.
Family Court is also at the same address, phone (716) 753-4375, and Surrogate's Court at (716) 753-4331. All operate Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The WebCivil Supreme portal lets you search civil case information online. The WebCriminal system provides criminal case information. These tools are free to use and can help you look up court records from the comfort of your home.
Passport and Veterans
The County Clerk's Office also handles passport services by appointment (call (716) 753-4331 to schedule). Veterans can get a Veteran's ID Card through the Return-the-Favor Program. Business certificates (DBA filings) can also be recorded at the Clerk's office. These are separate from traffic matters but worth noting since many people visit the Clerk for multiple reasons.
Nearby Counties
Chautauqua County is at the far western edge of New York State, bordering Pennsylvania and Lake Erie. If your ticket was issued near a county line, your case may fall under a neighboring jurisdiction.